Qualitative Assessment in Higher Education

Abstract: The transition from an industrial society to a knowledge society and knowledge-based economy creates qualitative changes in labour market demand. Not only professions are changing, but also the content of professions. Most employers are looking for university graduates with widely applicable skills, such as oral and written communication, the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, take responsibility and innovate, integrity, as well as people who are able to judge ethically. This demand creates changes in higher education, where the main focus is no longer a degree, but the acquisition of certain skills, including personal skills. How to assess whether the higher education program provides these skills? The study aims to provide a conceptual model of skills assessment based on Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) example. Data triangulation method was used in the realization of the study using primary data acquisition methods - surveys and interviews with employers, foreign and local experts, teachers, alumni and students, statistical data comparative evaluation.